Customs said on Monday they have seized 200 live crickets and 13 kilograms of dubia roaches in two suspected cases of illegally importing live plant pests at the Lo Wu control point.

Officers intercepted a 71-year-old man at the arrival hall on Saturday and found the batch of live crickets, with an estimated market value of about HK$2,000, in his baggage.

A day later, a 66-year-old woman was stopped and had a batch of live dubia roaches, with an estimated market value of about HK$3,900, seized.

Both were arrested, with their cases handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up investigations.

Customs said importing any plant pest or any plant infected or infested by such vermin without prior authorisation issued by the director of agriculture, fisheries and conservation is an offence, and any person found guilty of that is liable to a fine of up to HK$10,000 and imprisonment for six months.


Edited by Edmond Fong